Red Sox ace Jon Lester led the Boston Red Sox to a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night. Boston is just one win away from winning the World Series. (Oct. 29)
AP

The Red Sox are yielding a 2.05 ERA, limiting the Cardinals — who had the National League's best offense — to 13 runs. And, with the exception of Matt Holliday, the Cardinals don't have a single homer in 144 at-bats.

So who can blame them for standing in awe watching Ortiz, hitting .733 with the most hits (11) in the first five games in Series history.

"That's why we call him Cooperstown," catcher David Ross said. "He does Hall of Fame stuff on a regular basis around here."

And that's why Wainwright's bravado in the first was so stunning.

Wainwright faced Ortiz with Dustin Pedroia on second and first base open. Everyone from Ortiz to the peanut vendors to the grounds crew anticipated an intentional walk.

Wainwright challenged him.

Big mistake.

Ortiz smacked the first pitch past first baseman Allen Craig into the right-field corner. Pedroia scored. The Red Sox were up 1-0, and the Cardinals never really recovered.

"I don't like walking anybody," Wainwright said. "He's out of his mind hot right now. That was my call before the game. He hit a good pitch."

Wainwright struck out 10, but now he can only watch.

"This will be legendary if we go into Boston and win two games," Wainwright said.